Have you heard of Ooooby - Out Of Our Own Backyard?

The Ooooby network supplies a weekly box of local, organic produce to homes in the Auckland area.

Click here for the Ooooby website 
and a video about 'food miles':
http://www.ooooby.org/auckland/about


This article was written by one of Ooooby's members:

The Health Benefits of Organic Produce - By Lisa Banks

You might be wondering what the benefits are of organic food. After all, the produce we supply at Ooooby looks the same as the conventionally-grown fruit and vegetables you find in your local supermarket, so it’s not unreasonable to ask why you should choose our natural and organic Ooooby Box. Aside from the convenience of having fresh, local produce delivered direct to your door, by going organic, you can also take advantage of the potential health benefits while supporting organic growers like Bill and Marilyn.

How much better is organic?

A better question to ask would be: what’s missing from organic produce? The answer to this is: everything unnatural. Conventionally-grown produce is sprayed with fertilisers and pesticides; while fruit and vegetables are also treated with waxes or preservatives to keep them at their best for longer. These methods may be great for growing and selling large quantities of produce at low prices, but think about where the chemical nasties end up. However much you wash your fruit and vegetables before you make that salad or bite into that apple, some residue will remain. Research backs up the idea that consuming organic produce could reduce exposure levels to these pesticide residues. Because we source as much of our produce as possible locally and deliver each week, you can enjoy fresh produce at its best, with the shortest time possible between the field or farm and your kitchen.


While there is nothing to suggest fertilisers and pesticides directly and immediately impact health, for many people looking to improve their diet and adopt a healthier lifestyle, switching to organic means eliminating a potentially harmful component. This could be especially important for people in 'high risk' groups, such as pregnant women, young children and those with a weakened immune system. It has also been suggested that the effect of these chemicals could build up over time; leading to such side effects as headaches. Also bear in mind that peeling fruits and vegetables to reduce pesticide consumption means losing fibre and nutrient content. With natural, organically-produced fruits and vegetables, you don’t need to worry about sacrificing vital nutrition.

Are there benefits to mental health?

Believe it or not, there is evidence to suggest a link between nutrition and mental health; with some experts going as far as claiming food contributes to the development, management and prevention of certain mental health problems. As an example, advice and guidance about Attention Deficit/Hyperactive Disorder will often include a nutritional component, as the type of foods eaten might complicate the condition. Those affected are generally advised to eat a healthy and varied diet that contains lots of fibre and basic nutrients, which are provided in abundance through fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Those who believe in the link between nutrition and mental health put forward the idea that a healthy diet and lifestyle can equal a healthy mind. From a more scientific standpoint, the role of omega-3 fatty acids is of specific interest, as these play a crucial role in healthy brain function. It has been found that organic produce contains a more favourable omega-6-to-3 ratio of essential fatty acids than conventional produce, so making the switch could be of benefit to people concerned about these issues.


Obviously, certain conditions cannot be controlled through diet alone, but it does make sense that if you care about your phystical health, you’re also likely to take care of your mental health and address any issues of concern.


What about the other health benefits?

Over the years, many different studies have been carried out in the scientific community into the benefits of organic produce. As you might expect, the results have been mixed; but is has been claimed organic produce has higher antioxidant levels than its conventionally-produced equivalent; meaning it has the potential to lower the risk of some cancers. In terms of other nutritional benefits, studies have shown organic produce has lower levels of nitrates and higher levels of both vitamin C and selenium. However, the main nutrient benefits are the same as with any fruits and vegetables, with the key being a varied diet.

Other benefits of organic produce

Aside from the associated health benefits, many people believe organic produce just plain tastes better. In addition, a significant element of the organic farming process concerns sustainability and promoting environmental protection, through such issues as reducing pollution and improving soil quality. This is why we do our best to source all our products from local, organic producers to ensure the food we deliver is both good for you and the planet. So, if you’ve decided to make the switch to organic, let us take the hard work out of your choice and we’ll deliver a box brimming with nature’s goodness right to your door each and every week.